Alessia Russo breaks silence on Lionesses heartbreaking World Cup final defeat

22 August 2023 , 11:52

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Lionesses star Alessia Russo declared she and her England teammates “will be back stronger than ever” following their agonising Women’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.

The Arsenal striker cut a forlorn figure amid the Spanish players’ wild celebrations following the full-time whistle on Sunday as England’s historic World Cup campaign crumbled at the final hurdle.

La Roja skipper Olga Carmona’s first-half strike gifted a tactically superior Spain an ultimately insurmountable advantage as a flawless display from Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati made any England response a near impossibility.

Despite being entrusted to lead England’s line from the tournament’s start and having grown in confidence and competence in doing so alongside Lauren Hemp up top, Russo was substituted at half-time, along with WSL Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly, as manager Sarina Wiegman opted for a major tactical shake-up in response to Spain’s first-half dominance.

And while the riposte inspired by the additions of Lauren James and Chloe Kelly offered glimpses of positive play from England in the second half, Spain's cool authority and shrewd game management left England players forced to pick up the pieces of a history-making campaign.

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Russo’s replacement at the interval was hardly the manner in which the 24-year-old, tipped to challenge for the tournament's Golden Boot, would have envisaged her first World Cup campaign ending.

And more than 24 hours after the tournament’s culmination, the forward took to social media to issue a rallying cry following the heart-breaking defeat.

Taking to Instagram, Russo wrote: “Heartbroken that it wasn't meant to be but so proud and grateful to be a part of this special team. There is nobody else I would want to be on this journey with.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us from afar and those that travelled out to the other side of the world! We will cherish the memories for a lifetime.

“To those who have made us feel so welcome during our time in Australia, thank you. It has been the most incredible 6 weeks.

Russo and England's players were devastated after the loss (Getty Images)

“For now we rest up and recover but have absolutely no doubt this team will be back stronger than ever x”.

The pressure point of the campaign’s post-mortems has revolved predominantly around the team's eventual redemption.

And fellow striker Daly echoed her teammates’ sentiment with her own post, which read: “We didn't get the win but being a part of this team is a win in my eyes. We continue to push boundaries, inspire our wonderful nation and next generation and ultimately; make history.

“What a ride it has been, 9 weeks in Australia away from our loved ones and fans but we heard all of you.

“Thank you for the unwavering support near and far, we appreciate you all. Time for some much needed R&R with family and friends and continue to be the best we can be & strive for more. Much love”.